I have been wanting to ride both of these bikes to determine which one i want to build into an adventure bike. I have read quite a bit about both and see pros and cons of both. unfortunately i cant go to the dealership and ride either of these bikes. If there is anybody around the shenendoah valley (Harrisonburg va)area+- a couple hundred miles and would be willing to swap for an sv650 to go riding one weekend i would be eternally grateful

the klr would be the better road going choice.
the xr the better offroad choice.
the xr really needs i cushioned hub to help smooth it out on the road.
but after 35,000 miles on mine the bike is still ready to go.

Have spent 10 to 12 hrs a day in the saddle of a 650R, 1300 miles in 5 days, ridden there, then ridden 10,000 ft passes..love the extra HP of the 650R, remmeber, tjhis bike ahs wona lot of very gruelling races...at 276 pounds to start, it also is lighter than the KLR, love the frame and geometry on the 650R. The KLR has so little HP that it will run forever and ever though....

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